CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- An ice storm is expected to move through the Chicago area Tuesday evening, threatening to drop almost a half inch of ice and make travel nearly impossible on untreated surfaces.
Ice could total one-tenth to four-tenths of an inch, the National Weather Service said in an Ice Storm Warning. The highest amounts of ice are expected north of Interstate 55. The warning lasts from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Freezing rain possible Tuesday evening & night. Areas in blue most likely to see tenth of an inch or more of ice. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/refDWMnJXU
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
February 4, 2019 Significant ice accumulation, up to four tenths of an inch, is possible tonight from freezing rain. #ilwx #inwx pic.twitter.com/yZFSZ40VBP
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
February 5, 2019 Freezing rain will likely start after the evening commute at 8 p.m., but there’s a slim chance freezing rain could begin at 5 p.m., the weather service said. Some snow and sleet may mix with the freezing rain early in the evening.
The weather service strongly discouraged traveling during the storm. Snapped power lines and falling tree branches are also possible.
Freezing rain and sleet are in the forecast for Tuesday night. Ever wonder what causes sleet & freezing rain when temp outside is below 32? pic.twitter.com/PoFkUGzfYm
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
February 5, 2019 A Ice Storm Warning applies to Cook and surrounding counties from 6 p.m. Tuesday to 6 a.m. Wednesday.
True ice storms are uncommon in this part of the county, the weather service wrote on Facebook.
“However, we are concerned that there is at least some risk for some areas to see the most significant accumulation of ice that they’ve seen in several years,” the weather service said.
The potential exists for a period of freezing rain beginning early Tuesday evening and continuing overnight. Up to two tenths of an inch of ice is possible. Keep an eye on the forecast! pic.twitter.com/K4kTnAQkFW
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
February 4, 2019 A couple of weather disturbances will bring the potential for mixed sleet and freezing rain on Tuesday night to much of the area. Another potential for freezing rain on Wednesday night. pic.twitter.com/YUQQqPTznD
— NWS Chicago (@NWSChicago)
February 4, 2019 (Source: Sun-Times Media Wire & Chicago Sun-Times 2019. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
